The government is yet to announce the name of its new flagship social safety net programme for women, which has been dubbed ‘Sarkari Yojana’ by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman
The initiative (sarkari yojana) aims at providing financial support to single mothers and widows in terms of food, shelter, education, health insurance, etc., to ensure they can give full time employment and live a normal life.
However, it remains unclear when exactly this will be rolled out in India.
The National Sample Survey on Women’s Employment Indicators (WISE) data released last year showed that women are still less likely than men to have an independent source of income, meaning they are disproportionately dependent on the state or corporate sponsored jobs.
In a report released by the Cabinet Division on Friday, the minister said the Centre had identified several other programmes such as Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, Shukla Abhyakshman Nidhi Yojana and Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, among others, but none were ready for launch today as of now.
“A number of initiatives are already being considered. But at least one from each must be launched. I am hopeful of that happening very soon,” she told reporters after addressing the inaugural meeting of her ministry here earlier on Saturday.
“There are some who do not want to participate, because if we do not help them, they might not continue with their employment,” Ms. Sitharaman added.
“We should make sure there is no discrimination at all. No woman or man should feel ashamed to become a mother. We need to provide them with proper access to services, and also give them a chance to work in order to take care of themselves, including children,” she said.
“This should not be seen as just an investment scheme or something like Roshni (Sakshi Kendra), which is only meant for women alone,” she added.
“This means that even men, whether they are employed or unemployed, can avail of the same benefits. In fact, we should encourage them to go ahead with both. This is also where we want to bring our focus,” Ms. Sitharaman said.
The finance minister urged industries to consider giving priority to female candidates and employees over male ones, as per Indian Express.
The aim of offering free education to the young, particularly those belonging to underprivileged communities has been proposed by the Union Ministry of Education.
“We are working on this issue…I believe it is necessary. Because if we do not do so, many people will not get the chances that they deserve to get,” she said.
Ms. Sitharaman also claimed that the government was committed towards ensuring gender equality in the country, adding that the Supreme Court had passed landmark verdicts that gave a voice to women in various sectors and demanded equal treatment for men and women.
“I think that is something that we need to keep up with. If we are not able to do so, then let us do so. And I am really confident that we will do so,” she said.
Ms. Sitharaman added that the Centre would look into opening educational institutions to the students belonging to different categories of society.
“I have spoken about how the judiciary gives justice to everyone, but you have heard me say very often, if we are not able to do so, then we should do so. So my message to everybody is this: the courts have given justice to all, but if we are unable to do that, then we should do it,” said Ms. Sitharaman, while referring to remarks made during the event.
“I will say again the court has given justice to all. Whether you are rich or poor; whether you are a person who belongs to SC, ST, PwD, or OBC community; whether you are someone from an economically weaker section of society; whether you are someone living in an area where your own children are educated or living in slums; whether you are someone from middle class or someone from wealthy class, you have got the right to enjoy the rights that are provided by law. You are entitled to the basic rights guaranteed under Articles 14,15, and 16 and these things need to be protected,” Ms. Sitharaman said.
“So, I would like to ask people to come forward and talk to us, tell us about what steps you were taking,” she added.
